Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Outlook PST file / error / <We didn't find anything to show here>

Outlook PST file error issue with no messages to show, possible solution and troubleshooting steps.

Quick Answer: Check the PST file integrity and try repairing or re-importing the archive in Outlook.

The error 'Outlook PST file / error / Microsoft Outlook 2016. This issue affects users who have recently used the export feature to backup their emails, resulting in a PST file with a considerable size (+120 MB).

This error can be frustrating as it prevents users from accessing and viewing their email data, leading to inconvenience and potential data loss. However, don't worry; we'll guide you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The PST file might be corrupted or incomplete, causing Outlook to fail to display the emails. This can happen when the export process is interrupted or incomplete.
  • Another possible cause could be the incorrect configuration of the PST file or issues with the Outlook installation.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Re-importing the PST file

  1. Step 1: Stop using Outlook and close all instances. Then, delete the existing PST file to start fresh.
  2. Step 2: Open Outlook and go to File > Manage > Accounts. Click on the email account you want to restore emails from and select 'Change' next to the PST file location. Select the PST file you created earlier and click 'OK'.
  3. Step 3: Outlook may prompt a warning message about overwriting existing data; confirm the action by clicking 'Yes'. Once complete, restart Outlook and attempt to view your email data.

Re-creating the PST file from scratch

  1. Step 1: Open Outlook and go to File > Manage > Accounts. Click on the email account you want to restore emails from and select 'Change' next to the PST file location. Select 'New' under the PST file location section and follow the prompts to create a new PST file.
  2. Step 2: As you set up the new PST file, ensure that all necessary email accounts are configured correctly and that the data is being imported correctly.

🎯 Final Words

If neither of the above steps resolves the issue, it may be worth trying to import your PST file directly into Outlook's Import/Export Wizard. If this fails, you can also consider seeking assistance from Microsoft Support or a professional IT technician for further troubleshooting and potential data recovery.

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